18th Sunday after Pentecost -- Death and Taxes

Reading: Matthew 22:15-23 Jesus is tested by religious leaders regarding paying taxes to Rome.  Jesus does not answer their question but reframes the debate, looking at God's sovereignty over the world instead.  Ultimately Jesus fulfills both sides of his clever statement "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's." I am indebted to my colleague and former classmate Matt Musteric for the emphasis on the passion.